Students anxiously waiting for important exam results are being urged to look after their mental health.

Pupils from across Dorset are preparing to get their A-Level results tomorrow and GCSE results next Thursday.

As the (often) dreaded morning looms, the exam results helpline, provided by the National Careers Service, has partnered with Mental Health UK to help students make the most of the opportunities their results will provide.

The helpline is a source of free, impartial advice after results, and is available to all parents, teachers and students.

People can use the helpline to get advice on what to do if a student does better or worse than expected in their exams, or if they get the results they hoped for but aren’t sure what steps to take next.

The dedicated team of careers advisers offer impartial advice on the different options available to young people.

Ahead of the results days, the National Careers Service and Mental Health UK have offered tips and advice for young people on managing their emotions on the day and what to do if their exam results are unexpected.

  • Exercise - It can improve your mood and general wellbeing and help boost self-esteem
  • Get enough sleep - A lack of sleep the night before exam results day can have an impact on a young person’s ability to deal with exam results in a logical and calm way
  • Eat a balanced diet - Step away from those doughnuts on results day morning and swap them for a healthy alternative, like porridge or fruit, to kick-start the day in the best way possible
  • Do something nice - After receiving exam results, students should go and celebrate no matter what the circumstance may be. It’s important to reward the sheer hard work and determination involved with getting exam results and a great way to do this is by planning something special with loved ones
  • Seek expert advice - Whether young people attain the results they wanted, or do better or worse than expected, expert advice can be helpful. The National Careers Service exam results helpline (0800 100 900) is a free service available for both parents and young people to seek advice and support following exam results.

Sophie Graham, careers adviser at the National Careers Service exam results helpline said: “Exam results day can cause anxiety for both young people and their parents alike, which is why it’s really important to make sure they are seeking proper advice from the experts about what their results mean for them and what to do next.

"Young people need to make sure that they are making the right decisions based on their own strengths, interests and all the options available."

The helpline number (0800 100 900) will be available between the hours of 8am – 10pm and will be available from August 14 until August 29.